Video Feature & Web-Exclusive Interview

Musician: CALI TUCKER

Video Feature: “LAST NAME”

CALI TUCKER TAPS INTO COMPLEX FAMILY DYNAMICS WITH HER NEW SINGLE “LAST NAME”

by Merlin David & Meredith Summers

Cali Tucker’s latest single “Last Name” recently surpassed a half million streams, piling onto the millions of streams she’s already accrued across a rainbow of platforms. The breakout Voice finalist is not just related to legends LaCosta and Tanya Tucker, she’s becoming a star in her own right, on her own two feet. Currently headlining in Vegas and masterminding a tour in the very near future, the former Miss Teen All-American has big plans to treat her fans to tracks and performances they won’t soon forget.

But “Last Name” isn’t about her clan, it’s about stepping outside your story to explore how bloodlines can play out very differently in different families. And about how it’s possible to overcome rejection when you know where (and who) to turn for real support. The song reminds us that sharing the same “Last Name” as a family member does not mean that you stand for the same values, and branching out on your own can be as much a statement in authenticity as it is in independence.

The Cinderella-inspired video premiered September 4th, and it’s more than just dazzling gowns and fairy godmothers. It calls back to the titular character’s struggle as she longed for acceptance from her step-family, receiving nothing but contempt and scorn in return. In the video, as in the fairytale, the character doesn’t get revenge by matching hate with hate, but instead draws from a deep well of strength and finds ways to flip the situation without stooping to the same level.

Cali Tucker has had a snowball year, gaining momentum with everything from her live performances to her award-winning videos to her fresh songs, outfits, and twists on the traditional. She’s been busy performing at famous venues (including the Aria and Grand Ole Opry) and gracing the screen at NASCAR’s Pennzoil. She keeps the momentum going with her newest pop-forward song about resilience and a video about finding the real magic within.

We talked with Cali Tucker about what continues to inspire her to keep making music, how her past influences where she is now as she moves forward, and how she continues to learn something new with every performance and every new song she writes.

Tell us one main thing you learned about yourself after co-writing and recording “Last Name.”
I learned that sometimes the most powerful songs come from stepping outside of my own story and writing from someone else’s perspective. Recording “Last Name” was such a special and emotional experience because it gave me the chance to tell a story that’s heartbreaking, but also deeply inspiring. To me, it’s about finding that fierceness inside yourself to rise above negativity—whether it’s from other people or from your own self-doubts—and chase your dreams no matter the odds.

I’ve been very blessed to have the support of my family, but I know not everyone has that foundation. That realization really fueled me to give voice to a story bigger than my own. Co-writing this song with my dear friends Derek Robertson, Tricia Batani, and my producer PK made the whole process even more meaningful—it’s an experience I’ll always treasure.

What inspired you to write this song? Do you remember where you were when the idea of this song came to you?
The idea for “Last Name” started in a small co-write with my longtime friend Derek Robertson, who’s based in St. Louis now. Derek and I grew up together in Nashville, and we’ve known each other for almost 20 years. We’ve been through so many highs and lows, but one of the hardest moments was when he came out and was rejected and disowned by his family. Watching someone I love go through that kind of pain was heartbreaking, but at the same time, it’s been such a joy to watch him rise above it and create a beautiful life of his own.

I was a bridesmaid in his wedding to his wonderful husband, Matt, and I’ve seen him become one of the happiest, most successful people I know. Writing “Last Name” out of his story—and the stories of so many others who’ve had to build their own futures without family support—was both cathartic and liberating for me. My hope is that the song inspires people to believe that their present circumstances don’t have to define their future, and that they truly have the strength to rise above and create the life they dream of.

Tell us something fun/unique that happened in the recording studio—maybe a unique moment that influenced the direction of the song and way it turned out?
One of the most interesting moments in the studio happened when we realized the song didn’t have an outro—and honestly, I hadn’t even planned for one. But as we were recording, the line “Aren’t you proud to share my last name?” came to me so quickly and so naturally. It was immediately clear that this was the perfect way to close the song.

I ended up repeating it, almost like a question hanging in the air, and it tied the entire story together in a way that felt emotional and real. There’s no neat resolution—it’s just a question—but that’s intentional. I hope it makes people think about how they treat the people they call family, and whether they’re putting aside their own feelings to nurture and honor those bonds. For anyone who’s ever loved and been hurt by family, it’s a question worth asking.

Tell us how the “Cinderella” concept of the video was chosen.
The Cinderella concept came to me a bit later, after the song was written, while we were brainstorming ideas for the music video. I was driving one day when it just hit me—like a ton of bricks—that this timeless story was the perfect way to visualize “Last Name.’

Cinderella is a girl who, after losing her father, longs for love, acceptance, and the kind of family bond everyone craves. Despite all the hardships and mistreatment from her stepmother and stepsisters, she remains kind, courageous, and ultimately forgiving. In the end, she doesn’t just “win”—she triumphs in life by staying true to herself and remaining a good person.

I wanted to take that familiar story and make it relatable to my audience. For me, Cinderella’s journey was the most powerful and inspiring way to show the themes of resilience, courage, and self-belief that are at the heart of “Last Name.’

How did becoming a finalist on NBC’s The Voice influence or change the direction of your music or your idea of what you wanted for your music?
Being a finalist on NBC’s The Voice didn’t necessarily change the direction of my music, but it gave me an incredible platform to take the next step in my career. Honestly, the show was nerve-wracking at the time. I hadn’t performed regularly in front of large audiences—I’d done a few songwriter rounds and showcases in Nashville, but I was mainly bartending and waitressing full-time. Walking onto that stage, I was nervous and probably didn’t give my absolute best performance.

Years later, after moving to Las Vegas, I’ve become a seasoned professional performer with confidence and no fear. One of the most important things I gained from The Voice was meeting my battle partner, Ryan Whyte Maloney. We became close friends, and after the show, he encouraged me to move to Las Vegas to pursue music full-time. He even helped introduce me to people in the industry, which was a pivotal turning point for my career.

Since moving, I’ve been performing six to seven nights a week, honing my live show and experimenting with so many different genres. That experience helped me really define my sound when I connected with my producer, PK, and co-writer, Tricia Batani, and together we created songs like “Dandelion,” “Country Couture,” “Urban Cowboy,” and most recently, “Last Name.”

Ultimately, if it weren’t for The Voice, I wouldn’t have met Ryan, moved to Las Vegas, or connected with my current team. The show was so much bigger than just performing—it helped me create a path for myself and level up my career. I’m incredibly grateful for that experience.

How did your family influence you and your interest in music?
I absolutely wouldn’t be pursuing music if it weren’t for my Mom [LaCosta Tucker] and my aunt [Tanya Tucker]—they’ve been incredible influences on my journey from the very beginning. I was just three years old when I first got on stage, and from that moment, I was completely hooked. Their support and encouragement have been unwavering, but my path has always been completely grassroots—no special treatment—which I think has been crucial in shaping who I am as an artist, songwriter, performer, and as a person.

I’ve learned that you can’t achieve success without making mistakes along the way, and I wouldn’t change my path for anything. I hope to carry on with the Tucker name with pride, integrity, and honor, creating a legacy that’s meaningful and endearing. I want people not only to love my music, but also to see me as a genuine, kind, thoughtful person who appreciates everyone and never takes any success for granted.

I have so much gratitude for my Mom, my aunt, and all the people around me who believe in me. Their support keeps me striving, working hard, and chasing greatness every single day.

Tell us 5 albums you listened to the most that influenced you to become a musician. (In the days of vinyl—you would have worn out the groove listening to these albums!)
Growing up, there were five albums that had the biggest influence on me as a musician. The first was Shania Twain—she completely changed the game with her cheeky, fun, and flirty vibe, both in her image and her songwriting. Second was Garth Brooks; I was obsessed with his high-energy performances, powerful songs, and the emotional depth of his ballads. Third Eye Blind was the first rock band I ever fell in love with. Their melodic storytelling and use of minor chords opened me up to a different world of music beyond country. Fourth was Celine Dion—her voice is absolutely unbelievable, and like so many little girls, I dreamed of singing like her one day. And fifth were all the oldies records I grew up listening to with my Mom—songs that were fun, colorful, happy, and timeless.

Which 5 songwriters continue to influence you?
I’ve always been inspired by a range of talents: John Hartford, who wrote “Gentle on My Mind”—one of the best songs ever written; Dolly Parton, whose storytelling is unmatched; and Mogul, who I admire for her ability to build a musical empire. I’m also inspired daily by my co-writer Tricia Batani, who is incredibly versatile and skilled at capturing emotion and bringing it to life in a song, whether for herself or other artists.

Is there a songwriting tip you’d like to offer?
Don’t get stuck trying to make everything perfect or force rhymes. Sometimes a song needs time to breathe, or even years before it truly lands. I like to take my time, work on multiple songs at once, and let inspiration come naturally. Don’t pressure yourself to write a hit—write something that matters to you, and the rest will follow.

Tell us about a moment in your musical journey so far—that you are really proud of—and that continues to inspire you to keep making music.
One of the moments I’m most proud of—and that truly changed the way I approached my music—happened shortly after I moved to Las Vegas. I was invited to perform as a busker at the Link Promenade, part of a new program they were starting. I had never sung solo before, and the setup was that I was supposed to sing to tracks for tips on the street.

I went to Guitar Center, bought all the equipment I thought I’d need—my first speaker, microphone, cords, adapters, everything—and arrived ready. But as I started setting up, I realized the tracks weren’t playing. Only my vocals were coming through. At first, I panicked. But then I thought, “I’m here, I’m getting paid, and I’m not walking away.” So, I took a deep breath, opened my guitar case for tips (even though I don’t play guitar), and decided to sing completely acapella for the next three hours.

I sang every song I knew, from start to finish, without any tracks, and the response was incredible. People were engaged, I made tips, and it was a moment of pure triumph over fear and discomfort. That experience taught me that if I can step into a situation that’s completely uncomfortable and shine, I can handle anything. It pushed me to embrace challenges, trust my talent, and perform without fear of judgment. From that day on, I’ve tried to live my musical journey boldly, knowing I have the power to make my voice heard—even in unconventional ways.

What’s next for you?
There’s always something on the horizon for me, but I’m really looking forward to taking the Cali Tucker show on tour permanently, hopefully by next year. Right now, I’m still based in Las Vegas, continuing to write new songs that will hopefully become part of an EP—or even a full album. Touring has always been so important to me. I love traveling, seeing the world, and doing what I love while on the road. Living out of a suitcase, staying in hotels, flying on planes and tour buses—it’s a dream come true and brings back so many nostalgic memories from riding on the bottom bunk of a tour bus as a kid with my Mom and aunt. I crave that life again and can’t wait to get back out there.

Artists are always evolving, and I’m excited to see what new songs are going to come to life. I already have some nearly ready to go, and I can’t wait to share them.

How can new fans stay updated?
The best place is my website, calitucker.com. You’ll find all the latest news, tour dates, merch, and quick access to my social media. You can also follow me on
Instagram: @CaliTuckerMusic
Facebook: @CaliTuckerOfficial, and
TikTok: @CaliTucker.

I love connecting with fans, so don’t hesitate to send a message—I’d love to say “Hi!”